solve

American  

[solv] / sɒlv /

verb (used with object)

solved, solving

1. to find the answer or explanation for; clear up; explain.

   to solve the mystery of the missing books.

   Synonyms:

   crack, untangle, unravel, resolve

2. to work out the answer or solution to (a mathematical problem).

---

solve British  

/ sɒlv /

verb

1. to find the explanation for or solution to (a mystery, problem, etc)

2. maths

   1. to work out the answer to (a problem)

   2. to obtain the roots of (an equation)

---

Other Word Forms

• presolve verb (used with object)
• solver noun
• unsolved adjective
• well-solved adjective

Etymology

Origin of solve

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English solven, from Latin solvere “to loosen, free, release”

Example Sentences

Now, scientists have taken a major step toward solving that mystery.

From Science Daily

So when a documentary arrives asking audiences to take her seriously as a subject — as a person with insight, depth or meaning — it runs into a problem that money cannot solve: There is no demand.

From Salon

Quantum computers are able to solve complex problems more quickly than a classical computer.

From Los Angeles Times

“The impact of a one-time tax does not solve an ongoing structural challenge,” the Governor said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Then you have come to solve a riddle? We do not give information without trial.”

From Literature

Related Words

• clarify
• clear up
• decide
• determine
• do
• explain
• figure out
• fix
• have
• iron out
• settle
• work out